Saline County Battle of the Badges Blood Drive Announced

June 10, 2010

Saline County Firefighters and Law Enforcement officersare teaming up with the American Red Cross to raise awareness of the ongoing need for blood through the Battle of the Badgesblood drive competition.

Our emergency responders see first hand how important readily available blood supplies are to those waiting for blood. Now, they are asking for your help.

Join in and roll up your sleeve to give blood on June 22nd. Encourage your friends and family to give along with you. The 2010 Battle of the BadgesBlood Drives will help ensure available blood during the summer months when supplies are often low. All types of blood are needed, especially type O negative which is the universal donor and may be used in an emergency for any patient in need.

Bryant Fire Department Training Room

400 Bryant Ave.

June 22, 2010

Noon-5 P.M.

Call 501-847-5559

BentonFire Department

220 South Main

June 22, 2010

10 A.M. – 5 P.M.

Call 501-766-5960 or 501-776-5905

Everyone who presents to donate will receive a t-shirt and refreshments will be provided.

Giving blood is a safe and easy process, and takes about one hour. Donors must be in general good health, at least 17 years of age (or 16 with written parental consent), and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds. Donors should have their blood donor card or a photo ID at the time they donate and cannot have donated blood within the past 56 days.

For more information about donating blood, how blood is used or other questions visit 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2766) www.RedCrossBlood.org

Log onto Red Cross Racing – Get Points or Give Points Back: Once you present to donate blood, you can go to redcrossracing.com and enter to get Red Cross Racing points. These points may be exchanged for exclusive racing gear and other exciting prizes. The American Red Cross, Greg Biffle and 3M Racing are proud to offer a special way to show your support for our Armed Forces members by giving you the chance to donate your Red Cross Racing points back to the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces (SAF). Your donated points will help the Red Cross provide services, programs and goods to our troops and their families. Our 7,000 SAF volunteers and staff offer resources like emergency communications, support for wounded warrior programs, hospital outreach, veterans programs and assistance for families coping with the stress of deployment. Your points will help your Red Cross provide even more comfort and support to our troops and their families.

How to Donate Blood:

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment today. All blood types are needed to ensure the Red Cross maintains an adequate blood supply. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Donors must be in general good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old (16 in Arkansas with completed Parental Consent Form). New height and weight restrictions apply to donors younger than 19. Visit redcrossblood.org to learn more.

About Red Cross Racing:

Red Cross Racing is a donor rewards program designed to increase the number of blood donors and the number of times they donate. Blood donors get points in exchange for activities, including giving blood and/or platelets and recruiting other blood donors. Those points may be exchanged for exclusive NASCAR® racing gear and collectables. Check out redcrossracing.com to join the race where everyone wins. Please call us at 1-800-RED CROSS or visit us online at redcrossracing.com to schedule your blood donation appointment.